As plots go, there's not much to "Somers Towns," the bright new drama from British director Shane Meadows.

Two lonely teen boys -- one a runaway named Tomo, the other a Polish immigrant named Marek -- meet each other in London and become fast friends. And that's about it.

But what "Somers Town" lacks in story arc, it more than makes up for in charm, as Meadows and company create an endearing and thoroughly enjoyable portrait of a young British bromance.

Key to it all is the charisma of Meadows' cast, particularly young Thomas Turgoose. Meadows discovered Turgoose back in 2006, when he cast him in the lead role of his far heavier -- but still charming -- drama "This is England."

Thomas Turgoose, left, and Piotr Jagiello do a little drinking and riding in 'Somers Town.'

SOMERS TOWN 3 stars, out of 4

Snapshot: A dramatic comedy about two young British boys who strike up a friendship on the streets of London.

What works: Lead actor Thomas Turgoose has an irresistible screen presence, imparting an infectious charm that takes over the whole film.

What doesn't: This is a character-driven piece -- which is critic-speak for, "There's not much there by way of plot."

Turgoose has grown up considerably since then, going from a lumpy and pasty pre-teen with a bad haircut to a lumpy and pasty teenager with a bad haircut. One wouldn't expect it by looking at him, but Turgoose has such a cool confidence that it's difficult not to fall in love with the kid.

In "Somers Town" he's paired with newcomer Piotr Jagiello, a leaner and more deadpan counterpart who is the Abbot to Turgoose's Costello. Though Jagiello is definitely the straight man in this pairing, he still imparts an irresistible comic flair to such simple lines as, "Look, retro trousers."

As with most male friendships, things get off to a rough start between the two. Soon enough, however, Tomo and Marek realize that, aside from their linguistic differences, they have a lot in common. Both are friendless, both are all but penniless, and both are genuinely nice guys.

They both also have their eye on the same French waitress. Both secretly realize they've got no chance of earning her romantic attention, but they, of course, try anyway, in their own puppy dog way.

Along the way, they wander aimlessly about, they cause a little mischief, they make each other smile -- and they'll make audiences smile, too.

For reasons that aren't clear, Meadows decided to shoot his film in black and white. But clocking in at just 1 hour and 11 minutes, "Somers Town" is one of those rare film that ends long before it wears out its welcome.